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Delaware Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Delaware. Delaware also administers a state-funded preschool program — Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education — with additional requirements.

Delaware Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with DE DOE)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group 20
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Delaware Department of Education — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL)
Regulatory code	DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101)
State-funded program	Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education

Delaware preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Delaware must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Delaware Department of Education under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101).

Delaware state-funded preschool: Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	20	3–4yr = 1:10 max 20; 4–5yr = 1:12 max 24
State-funded preschool (Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101), Delaware Department of Education. Always verify current ratios with DE DOE.

Delaware preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Delaware childcare center license require a director meeting Delaware Department of Education’s qualification standards under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Delaware must meet minimum education requirements set by Delaware Department of Education. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Delaware Department of Education for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Delaware-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Delaware

Private preschool programs in Delaware follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Delaware Department of Education:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Delaware Department of Education center license (private preschool) or Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Delaware Department of Education — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Delaware Department of Education’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101).
For a state-funded preschool: contact DE Dept of Health & Social Services — DSS or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Delaware Department of Education — Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL).
Official resource: https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/early_resources/child_care_options

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Frequently asked questions: Delaware preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Delaware need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Delaware that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Delaware Department of Education under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20. Contact Delaware Department of Education for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Delaware preschool teacher need?

Delaware preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Delaware Department of Education under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Delaware Department of Education for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Delaware preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Delaware Department of Education in Delaware, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of 20. For state-funded programs (Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education and who qualifies?

Yes — Delaware administers Delaware Stars; state-funded pre-K via Delaware Department of Education. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Delaware?

Kindergarten in Delaware is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Delaware Department of Education. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Delaware Department of Education under DELACARE: Regulations for Child Care Centers (21 DE Admin. Code 101) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Delaware Department of Education for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Department of Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Delaware Childcare Center Requirements, Delaware Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Delaware Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Department of Education at https://education.delaware.gov/families/birth-age-5/early_resources/child_care_options before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.